If you were to stop and think for a moment, who exactly would you call if you needed a door installed in your home? Or who would you call if you knew there was an electrical shortage in your home that could possibly be dangerous? Maybe you have a relative or a friend who is good at those sorts of things. Or maybe you’re like the vast majority of people, and you would have no idea who to call. These days everybody seems to have the know-how when it comes to technology and gadgets, but nobody has those classic handyman skills. Any handyman has to know his or her way around with different parts, tools, and problems. In order to do this, they need the right tools. Tools are what allows the handyman to get his or her job done quickly and efficiently- better put, the right way. It’s no good if someone knows which part goes to which side if they do not have the tools necessary to complete the job! This is why we’ve compiled a list of the most essential tools that a handyman may need. Whether it be a hanging light or the modern day version of a good old screwdriver, these items are a must for anyone who has a way with fixing things.
How tall is that door frame that you need to fix in the guest room? How much siding are we going to need to complete the new house? What’s the distance between these two electrical outlets? These questions can all be solved with the help of a reliable tape measure. Every handyman needs a tape measure on the job for reasons like these. No matter what the situation is or how far along the project already is, a tape measure is one of the most critical pieces of equipment that someone can have for jobs like these. They are great for conversions between centimeters and inches, inches and feet, and more. Regardless of what project you have going on around the house or anywhere else, a tape measure is a must in the bag.
Nearly every handyman job on the planet will require a screw in some way, shape, or form. And nowadays, everything is all about efficiency. The drill is definitely a step up from the screwdriver, but sometimes they can become a hassle. Cords are the top complaints for those who use a drill because they always seem to be in the way. Well, with a cordless drill you can get the best of both worlds! You get the convenience of a drill with the accessibility and mobility of a screwdriver. This means no more cords getting in the way, preventing you from being able to get into tight spaces. Also, you will not have to worry about staying close to an electrical outlet so the cord can stay plugged in. This makes the drill so accessible and necessary for every handyman out there.
Klein tools have been named the leader in hand tools by Tools in Action readers as far back as 2014. Hand tools include anything like a handheld screwdriver, utility knife, wrenches, pliers, and more. These are just some of the essential tools that a handyman may need for any given job or project. Hand tools are the old school tools that simply don’t go out of style. Whether you are tearing something apart, putting it back together, or building something completely from scratch, hand tools are necessary to help you get the job done.
Ratchet sets are one of the underappreciated aspects of having a well-rounded tool kit. These are very beneficial to a handyman because they are the more efficient way to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. While a wrench requires you to reposition the tool quite often, a socket wrench allows you to continuously use the tool without repositioning. This is great for things like tires, bike parts, frames, and so much more. Ratchet sets are also a great addition for a handyman because they are versatile and can be used on different size nuts and bolts. For someone looking to save time and money with the tools in their bag, a great ratchet set is definitely a top priority.
So, you’re well on your way to developing a full arsenal of handyman tools. You’ve got the hand tools, the drill and all of its attachments, plus the starter set you got for Christmas that one year. The question is, what do you do with all of it? What you need is a proper way to store and organize all of the tools in your growing arsenal. A toolbox is great for organizing different tools, attachments, and accessories into specific compartments. The tool bag, on the other hand, gives you on-the-go accessibility. It allows you to take your most essential tools with you wherever you need to go. Having a toolbox and tool bag will definitely be a necessity by the time you finish this list!
Also known as an oscillating tool, this nifty machine does exactly what the name says. It offers a variety of different uses, making it very useful. Whether you need to cut, sand, trim, or grind, this is the tool you need. Multitools are also great for those projects with hard to reach places. Because of how resourceful and useful they are, they speed up the process of those awkward jobs. And everybody knows time is money! The more time you can save on the job, the more efficient and effective you can be. The multitool can be a great tool to help you reach that goal.
Ever heard the expression, “They go together like a hammer and nail?” That’s because a hammer and nail are inseparable! Whether you buy from Klein, DeWalt, Craftsman, or anywhere else, it is imperative that every handyman have a hammer. Nowadays there are more advanced hammer-like tools with the latest technology and gadgets. And believe us, we know how great the latest advancements can be. However, sometimes a quick fix might be just around the corner with a couple taps of the good old fashion hammer.
Very similar to the toolbox and tool bag, a tool belt gives you freedom. It gives you freedom to move around, sit down on the floor, climb ladders, or go wherever you need. When you have a job that requires you to switch from tool to tool, it can be an inconvenience. Switching tools in and out of the bag can cost you time and energy that could be used getting the task complete. This is where a tool belt comes along. Now you can have everything you need right at arm’s length! No more bending down on the floor to retrieve the screwdriver you just put down there. With a toolbelt, you can just set it nicely into a pocket and grab it whenever you need it again.
Especially when you’re working with lumber, saws are a must have. There are different types of saw for different jobs, so the kind you need will depend on your situation. However, some of the main types of saws include reciprocating, circular, and bandsaw. These precise tools allow you to get a perfect edge on whatever it is that you need cut. It doesn’t matter if you’re making a door frame or fixing drywall, having the right saw can help you out. They speed up the process, they’re extremely precise, and they are super convenient. Lots of saws now are cordless, so you don’t have to hug the wall while you work. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that!
A level is a wonderful tool that allows you to check your work. Before you put the final screw in and you find out your work is crooked, a level can help you. Levels work by having a tiny bubbles in a vial of liquid that floats back and forth. When the air bubble is directly in the center of the vial, this is called “level.” This is how you can know that everything is squared away and as it should be. Most levels even have vials that run perpendicular to the Earth’s surface. This way, they can measure vertically or “plumb.”
Maybe not a necessity to every handyman, but certainly this could be one for some. A laser tape measure is a tape measure that can measure much farther than a normal tape measure, and can be just as accurate. They are said to be accurate within an eighth of an inch up to 300ft! This tool can be used to measure length, area, volume, and some can even have a built-in level. These features make it very attractive to someone who is consistently having to measure things. Plus, you don’t need someone on the other end holding the end of the tape measure. Sometimes it really is the little things that matter the most!
A flashlight is not just a backpack item you have in case the power goes out during a thunderstorm. Flashlights can be a super useful tool in scenarios that require them. Think about it, you might have the latest and greatest tools on the market. You could have the knowledge to tackle whatever project you’re dealing with. But if you can’t see, what good is any of it? Flashlights can solve this problem whether you’re working in a dark area, at night, or in tight spaces. Many brands such as DeWalt, Craftsman, Klein, and others also carry handsfree flashlights. These are great because it ensures that both of your hands are free while you work.
Have you ever gone to hand a picture frame on the wall and accidently found a stud? If you have, you know just how frustrating it can be. Thinking that you know where the stud “should be” or tapping on the wall just won’t cut it. This tool allows you to know exactly where the studs are in the wall so you will be able to avoid them every time. These stud finders work by detecting the supporting structures and gaps in the wall that you can’t see. Removing the guess work always makes things simpler and ensures that you never need to put unnecessary holes in the wall.
All jokes aside, having a roll of sturdy duct tape in your tool bag is the finishing touch every handyman needs. Sometimes we have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need to be. We might want to show off our skills or try to fix something that only has a minor flaw. In reality, duct tape might be able to solve most of the world’s problems! Not only that, but it will save you a lot of time and hassle, too. Now obviously this won’t work with everything, but duct tape can have almost magical abilities at times. We don’t recommend relying too much on this, but a little bit of use can go a long way. Gorilla duct tape even takes things a step further by countering against water and sunlight. This is going to make it last much longer than regular duct tape, as well as making it stronger.
Well, that’s it! Here is a list of fourteen essential tools and accessories that we believe every handyman should have. Some of these are classic tools such as a hammer, hand tools, ratchets, and saws. Others are a great way to keep all of your tools organized efficiently so you can get to them whenever you need. There is nothing more frustrating than having the right tool for the job and not being able to find it. This is why having a great toolbox, tool bag, and tool belt is imperative. Finally, others here are just accessories that can help you out on the job. You might not ever use a flashlight or duct tape to finish off a job, but sometimes you can’t finish off the job without these things!
There are lots of great places to get access to tools like the ones on our list. Some of the places that we recommend include Klein, DeWalt, Craftsman, Makita, Dremel, Crescent, and Vise Grip. These are tried and true companies that have been serving handymen and DIY enthusiasts for decades. If you’re interested in any of the tools on our list and would like to shop around, you can find them at these links [INSERT LINKS HERE]. We hope you’ve enjoyed our list for the most essential tools that every handyman needs. If you think we missed something or there is something you would like to add, reach out and let us know! We are always looking for ways to improve so that we can better serve our customers. We believe with this list, you’ll be well on your way to developing the toolset that makes everyone else jealous and gets the job done!
Steve Tristan reviews the Klein Tools 25 Foot Measuring Tape. While on the jobsite, he explains his favorite features of the tape. First the magnet on the end really sticks to metal. Especially corner bead when measuring window frames for window coverings, blinds, or shades. Second, is the stop that holds the tape in place …
Klein Tools Tape Measure Features & Benefit – By Steve Tristan Read More »
